Significance of Self-luminous
Self-luminous, in the context of various philosophical and religious traditions, refers to an inherent quality of entities or consciousness that allows them to shine or illuminate themselves without relying on external sources. In Tibetan Buddhism, it emphasizes autonomous perception and clarity of cognition. Vaishnavism attributes it to the vibrant nature of divinity. Similarly, Vedanta describes Brahman and the Self as self-illuminating, signifying inherent knowledge and existence. Overall, Self-luminous represents the intrinsic light and awareness that defines the nature of various spiritual concepts and beings.
Synonyms: Self-illuminating, Glowing, Radiant, Self-shining
In Dutch: Zelf-lichtgevend; In Finnish: Itsestään valaiseva
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Self-luminous'
Self-luminous in Buddhism signifies the inherent ability of certain deities and cognitions to emit light and clarity independently, illustrating enlightenment and self-awareness without reliance on external validation or stimuli.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Referring to the omniscient person’s ability to perceive himself independently of external stimuli.[1] (2) Describes the nature of cognition, particularly the cognition of pleasure and related feelings, which does not require external factors to illuminate or validate its presence.[2] (3) A characteristic of cognition that implies it is evident or clear by its own nature, akin to light, which does not require another source for its illumination.[3] (4) A property attributed to entities that allow them to prove themselves through their own illumination, which negation fails to possess.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A characteristic of the Trayastrimsha devas, suggesting they emit their own light.[5] (2) A quality of the Shuddhavasa devas indicating that they emit their own light, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.[6] (3) A defining trait of the Caturmaharajika devas, indicating they emit their own light and cast no shadows.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Self-luminous'
In Hinduism, "self-luminous" refers to the Supreme Soul's inherent radiance and consciousness, independent of external validation. It signifies the self's ability to illuminate itself and convey knowledge, symbolizing ultimate purity and divine essence.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Self-luminous refers to Brahman being inherently radiant and illuminating, indicating its nature as a source of knowledge and truth.[8] (2) Describes the Witness-self's quality of being directly known and self-illuminating, not reliant on external validation.[9] (3) Referring to consciousness as having its own inherent light and clarity, independent of external sources.[10] (4) Self-luminous describes the nature of the inward Self, which shines with its own light, independent of outside factors.[11] (5) Refers to the quality of the Witness-consciousness which illuminates other things without being illuminated itself.[12]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) A quality of the atma that indicates its inherent ability to illuminate itself and convey knowledge without external aid.[13] (2) A characteristic of inferential knowledge that signifies its clarity and understanding at the moment it is generated.[14] (3) Describes the quality of knowledge being inherently clear and evident during its comprehension.[15]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Describes the intrinsic light and awareness present in the Supreme Brahman, signifying its inherent nature of knowledge and existence.[16] (2) The quality of being radiant or shining from within, embodying one's innate blissful nature after overcoming ego.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Describes the universal substance as having the distinguishing attribute of being self-illuminating.[18] (2) Describes the Self’s quality of illuminating or revealing itself without reliance on external means.[19]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The quality of the soul to be its own light or source of awareness, independent of external stimuli.[20] (2) Referring to Brahman as self-evident and independent of external validation, standing beyond perceptions and attributes.[21]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Describing Brahman as self-illuminating or inherently luminous, not dependent on external sources of light or knowledge.[22] (2) Describes the nature of consciousness that does not require external validation or perception to exist; it is internally recognized.[23]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The Absolute is the source of all knowledge and the support of creation itself, where the sun is a mere projection of Absolute knowledge.[24]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Describing the nature of the divine as inherently radiant and illuminating, self-existent.[25]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Describes Brahman’s nature as inherently radiant and illuminating, akin to the bright qualities of snow.[26]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Describes the nature of the enlightened person who reflects the eternal light of Brahman.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The inherent quality of Atman to shine with its own light, not requiring external means to be understood or realized.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Referring to the self, which is inherently aware and does not require external means to realize its essence.[29]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the inherent brightness or divine quality that radiates from the subject, in this case, the mountain Arunadri.[30] (2) Describes the quality of being inherently bright or clear, symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual realization.[31] (3) Describing the Lord's inherent nature of radiance and purity that requires no external light.[32] (4) Self-luminous describes the nature of the great Ishvara, or Lord, showcasing his divine radiance and presence.[33]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Describing the Supreme Soul as inherently evident and existing without dependence on external validation.[34] (2) Describes the soul or Brahman as inherently radiant and existing independently from external illumination.[35] (3) A characteristic of Atman or Brahman, indicating an intrinsic and eternal light that does not require an external source.[36] (4) Describes the divine aspect of the Supreme Lord as inherently radiant and bright.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A characteristic of the sun showing its ability to shine brightly and provide light.[38]
From: Linga Purana
(1) An attribute of the lord suggesting he possesses inherent light or knowledge.[39]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Describing an object or being that emits its own light, symbolizing ultimate purity and divinity.[40]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Describes a quality of Fire that allows it to emit its own light, contrasting it with Gold's reliance on external illumination.[41] (2) The characteristic proposed for cognisedness that eliminates infinite regress, suggesting a self-evident nature to cognition.[42]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Inherently radiant and illuminating, symbolizing divine nature and knowledge.[43] (2) Reflecting an entity that inherently possesses light or consciousness, not dependent on external sources for its illumination.[44]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Describes Vasudeva as being inherently radiant and unlimited.[45] (2) the quality ascribed to prakriti that is contested by its inert and dull nature.[46]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Describes an entity or concept that has its own light or clarity, implying that cognition has an inherent quality to illuminate itself without external aid.[47]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The inherent ability of the Self to shine and reveal truth without dependence on external factors such as the sun or eyes.[48]